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THE 



HEAVENLY SPHERES 



Character of Residents 



IX EACH, AND 



THEIR OCCUPATIONS. 



BY 



MARTHA WASHINGTON. 



Entered according to Act of Congress in the year I8T8, 

By Thomas Bbownell Clarke, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 



1877. 



THE 



HEAVENLY SPHERES 



Character of Residents 



X KACH. AND 



THEIR OCCUPATIONS. 



MARTHA WASHINGTON. 

1877. 



S-AJST FRANCISCO, 






tf 






INTRODUCTION. 



In the hundreds of communications that I have received 
during the past four years from the spirit world, there is 
no one, perhaps, so full of general information and 
interest in regard to that "heretofore unknown" world as 
this. 

As this communication is from one whose husband is 
still called the Father of oar country — both now angels 
of the progressed life, it becomes of national interest. 

Having read it over and over, it appears too precious a 
message to be longer retained as personal property. I 
therefore put it in print, that all for a mite may learn more 
of human destiny than to my knowledge has ever before 
come to earth. 

The communication was written by Martha Washington, 
using the mediumship of Mrs. Upham Hendee, of San 
Francisco, Cal. It was commenced in 1876, and written 
in sections, at different sittings, extending into January 
1877. 

The Preface was written at a sitting after the eight 
sections, and all were written in my presence— each sec- 
tion being taken with me to my home. Neither one having 
been out of my possession, until given to the printer. 

T, B. CLARKE. 



Note. During the sittings for this message, as well as for the much 1 
longer communication of Mary Washington, thero appeartd present, a 
heavenly host. 

After each writing and descriptions relating to the message, the medium 
would be controlled, and either talk or write upon various topics. On one 
occasion, ten of the old revolutionary times \vro:e a sentiment, signing 
names all nearly fac simile to their earthly signatures — among them the 
trembling hand oi Stephen Hopkins. 

Once a dear friend (but a few days passed on) came exclaiming " Oh ! 
Thomas, Thomas, what a beautiful woman that is who has been writing 
you; and it is all true, and more too." What a change from th° autumn 
leaves and tears, with which but a few days before, we laid her in the cokl 
ground. 



PREFACE. 



I come to-day from my heavenly home to try and arouse 
the minds of honest, earnest people, to trust their whole 
soul to the divine inherent principle which would guide 
them aright, were they to trust God more fully, by receiv- 
ing his intentions as manifested to them by impressions, 
and not resist the Holy Ghost, as is written in the Bible 
teachings of old. The Holy Ghost is the true spirit of 
God, which manifests itself to man in all his walks of life, 
and which has been denied, misunderstood, and thereby 
driven away. The Nazarene often spoke of his spirit, and 
urged upon his Apostles to listen to its voice. Learn then 
to listen to the still, small voice which speaks when all is 
still in the silent chambers of the soul. It is the infinite 
speaking to the inner mind. Jt is only by the finest sensa- 
tion that mortal can distinguish the voice of God. Some- 
times He speaks to the sensitive man, so that the spirit 
vibrates through the nerves of the physical being. These 
impressions are the soul's language. Often spirits of the 
departed who are speaking to the spirits of mortals, converse 
by these impressions; were they understood and allowed, 
to guide, they would be fouucl true monitors. Spirit 
communion has been denied, until the world has become 
a cold, lifeless body, with the spark of life nearly quenched; 
but the united effort of the angel world has broken the 
chains of darkness and doubt from thousands of earth's 
children, and caused the link binding the two worlds to be 
welded, until there can be no more separation. By degrees, 
the universal truth of man's future life will be so fully 
revealed, that all shall know God or infinite wisdom from 
the least unto the greatest; as Jesus said, "the light has 
truly come into the world," and its magnitude will be known. 

When once released from the material and become free 
independent beings, and established in full spiritual iden- 
tity, w r e commence to learn the true conditions of life, un- 
clogged by its earthly texture which has so closely held 
us, that we have only had faint glimpses of the inner cham- 
bers of our soul's home. It is then that we commence to 
realize our condition in the new field of labor and investi- 
gation, retaining of our former life, only that we can apply 
to our needs and happiness. Thus the progress of the 
soul is never delayed, for the golden chain is still linked 



with time and eternity, holding the spirit while it is 
materially clothed — retaining its attractions through all 
changes, drawing the soul ever upwards to its divine soul 
home. 

We have come back from our heavenly visit to the home 
of the blest, with a yearning desire to proclaim to the 
world the gospel of light, and awaken it to a new revela- 
tion regarding their future abode. As we come we find 
so many in the darkness of superstition — fears — doubts 
—awed into acquiesence to material teachings of punish- 
ment after death, all of which have produced a dwarfed 
race, whose souls have shrunken, and now find it impossible 
to Jive a full life as designed by the heavenly Father. 

But clear and beautiful shall spiritual things become to 
tne children of earth when they learn to receive the gifts 
God, the Father, gives to bless the world, and sustain the 
beings called to occupy and enjoy them. All things 
coming from the infinite source are beautiful, and adapted 
in perfect harmony to the use designed. The darkness 
and obscurity which has so long blinded the world, has 
been caused by the teachings of an offended Deity, instead 
of a full and free confidence in the unbounded love of a 
divine Father, whose omnipotent wisdom has given life, 
liberty and growth to all. As the sun of day rises and 
shines upon your earth, so does the love of the Infinite 
power illuminate all, giving life, and childlike confidence. 
Amid the scenes of our spiritual unfolding we behold the 
divine life — the divinity of all things — the soul germs' of 
the eternal, and find that all had a true type at the time of 
taking form of expression on coming into earthly condi- 
tions to be clothed upon in the expressed form of material 
existence, thereby molding the spirit body preparatory 
to its departure for the different spheres. Therefore, 
all types must be represented in separate order, to be 
classified in their appropriate condition. It is this two- 
fold divine arrangement of spirit and matter that gives 
beauty and sublimity to all both infinite and finite, the 
law is so perfect that neither man or Deity can change 
it. It is marked by the highest infinity, and all must be 
subject to its law; without it, all would be chaos; with it, 
all is perfect harmony in the grand reflex of its perfect 
grandeur. As we allow principles of intelligence suprem- 
acy — you may call it God or infinite wisdom clothed with 
an embodiment as significant of power — we care not what 
it is called; we know this, that we find it a fountain of 
light, love, intelligence; power with order and harmony 
embodied with heat, life and growth. We find matter 
worlds or planets and stars, whose fixed position renders 



them habitable, and all controlled by one and the same, 
and call it God; for it pervades all things, and is therefor 
deific. From these material conditions we change to the 
spiritual, passing through sphere after sphere, until we 
are received into the seventh where we are freed from all 
material condition that has retarded our progress toward 
that illimitable sphere of soul life where the fullest love 
and unbounded joy awaits the perfected soul. This is the 
acme of life — the soul centre of God r s love — a fountain of 
eternal joy from which radiations are ever expanding 
toward all spheres; a world whose atmosphere is tinged 
with roseate hues — where rarest music is chanted through 
the sylvan glades, and the echoing vespers make harmony 
which fills the soul with joy, where fountains of life are 
ever flowing, and where eternal beauty reigns supreme. I 
feel, friend, that my pen through this medium fails to 
convey to your mind the wondrous beauty and exaltation 
of this blessed soul home, where in dreamy love, all 
former life, whether earthly or spiritual, passes before you; 
where you may add to your store of knowledge, and 
realize that you still may clasp the old loved friends, and 
know that they are ever yours; realize that like children, 
we may forever wander amid the fragrant flowers and 
perfumed glades, or soar to towering mountain tops, 
without fatigue, to view the vast expanse of ether blue, 
touched with golden, fleecy clouds floating over this 
summer-land home of souls' eternal rest. We have tried to 
define the true principles of all existence to your under- 
standing, having done the best we could through this 
medium of communication, and must now close this, to 
me, interesting moment of expressing my experience in 
sphere life to the children of earth, even though it be in 
this crude form. We have taken you through the different 
phases of our progress in spirit lands, and hope our faint 
and imperfect description of soul home may prove a bless- 
ing to those yet in the mortal form. Now, dear friend, I 
must leave with the fraternal blessing of those who have 
given into your hands brief description of our heavenly 
home, George Washington, Mary, his beloved mother, 
and I, his soul partner in all the joys and sorrows of his 
earthly life, and still united with him in all his spiritual 
gifts, begging that you will call ourselves fraternally your 
guides. 

MAKTHA WASHINGTON. 



SECTION FIKST. 

True to the cause of humanity I come and will endeavor 

to give a truthful delineation of our beautiful spirit home. 
Whether I may interest you as well as my beloved hus- 
band and his sainted mother,* is yet to be proven by the 
contribution which shall be given. Yes, friend, we were 
present at your sitting and impressing you in regard to 
this message, for we felt it to be the right time to com- 
mence the written work of our experience from spirit land. 

We know that you have had many descriptions which 
may have given you a clear insight to our land of beauty, 
but none I feel have been more earnest and thorough in 
descriptive language than I intend this to be 

As you are a faithful seeker after true knowledge from 
this glorious summer land of promise and eternal life, we 
will try to lift the curtain and open to your view glorious 
scenes, which once beholding, will never be forgotten by 
mortal or spirit. There have been many adventurers to 
this summer land of life, but none who have been per- 
mitted to behold but a shadow, as it were, of the wonder- 
ful and glorious reality. On first awakening to this en- 
chanted and sublime land, we are rilled with amazement 
and can only look and exclaim, so powerless and over- 
come are we to behold it rilled with such sacred and holy 
conceptions and realities of God's infinite power. 

But, my friend, as I am to commence a history of travels, 
as you might call it, I will not elaborate until I can make 
my way clear to define my change. I had become 
awakened to this wonderful truth that life continued be- 
yond this earth, from many incidents before I passed to 
spirit life, so much so, that I felt within myself that a. 
knowledge was given to my soul or inward being that I 
should live and realize a spiritual existence, and that I 
should be permitted to unite my thoughts and feelings 
with those who were in harmony with my spiritual lite. 
The world could not comprehend, for I could not clearly 
define myself; but a trust was in my soul — a sustaining 
power — which I felt would carry me through trials and 
give full assurance of future happiness derived from the 
knowledge of a superior condition or world ; for to my 
souls eye I could see the beautiful angelic hosts passing 
and repassing in all their glory, causing me to feel that 
something was being done in heaven which would bless 
the millions inhabiting that glorious realm beside what 
had been taught. Yes ! not only singing forever, but all 
joys calculated to take in God's universal love and works 

*I have the spirit life of Geo. Washington and Man 7 , his mother, unpuhlished.-T.B. C. 



now needed to carry on the grand and glorious plans laid 
out from the foundation of all things. 

Thus these thoughts gradually wound around my soul 
until they became a part of my earthly life, blessing and 
preparing me for the change that comes to all, until death 
had no terrors. ' 

On first leaving earth, we are often reminded of our 
earthly home and feel a longing desire to return to 
awaken our friends to our great disco very — to give them 
glad tidings from this unknown life or beautiful sphere — 
for it is not that uncertain visionary heaven that was taught 
of old, but a real living, breathing country full of all life, 
both vegetable, animal and spirit, all in spiritual beauty, 
showing forth the handiwork of the divine Creator, and 
that the fullness thereof is for all. 

Every one has all that he can use or comprehend, and 
as it is the design of the All-wise to create a hungering for 
knowledge of this fruitful and glorious home, therefore 
spheres are prepared for the reception of all adapted to 
their condition. Here they are nourished and educated to 
comprehend all its uses, and all its blessings, until pre- 
pared to enter the next abode. 

Oftentimes the guardian spirits from higher spheres de- 
scend and take them to other spheres to show the glories 
that await them when they shall be prepared, which 
quickens their souls to embrace every opportunity to ad- 
vance and euter the beautiful home beyond. 

Each sphere has its laws, and labor, and education. 
Every scholar has studies adapted to his taste or capacity, 
and thereby advances much faster in the higher knowledge 
by this harmonious blending. 

We find that mortals are comprehending this law of 
spiritual affinity for adaptation to mental and physical edu- 
cation, thereby elevating humanity to a scale of advance- 
ment beyond the former compress of mind into one mould 
which thus destroyed its capacity instead of achieving the 
desired object. 

Now, friend, we shall take you by the hand and lead 
gently through the beautiful road up to the glorious Tem- 
ple of liberty and knowledge, where science and truth set 
their seal to the great gateway of glory and immortality. 

My spirit took its flight through the airy realms. I 
seemed on wings of ethereal light, and felt such glorious, 
inward joy, that I could not speak, although attended by 
hosts of angels and loved ones. Astonishment, wonder, 
awe and thrilling joy filled my soul. At times I feared T 
might be called back to earth as I could feel the tie still 
binding through the chemical condition of atmosphere. 



8 

My guides, however, told me that I was free and could not 
return to inhabit an earthly form, but should return when 
I had become sufficiently strong to hold the conditions of 
spiritual life, and be clothed with spiritual garments. 

Yes, friend, we are but new-born babes in the hands of 
angels who guard and guide us until we become able to 
establish our individuality. Siuce I have become fully 
grown, and comprehend the true spiritual laws, I cannot 
understand how mortals could ever have been so darkened 
and lost to their true condition, relative to this beautiful 
world, which embodies all in its glorious folds of eternal 
sweetness and loving knowledge. 

It pains us here, as well as we see it also does you of 
the earthly sphere, to see so many who only live to vege- 
tate without one influx of light from their spiritual home, 
because they are so dense that they cannot comprehend 
their brain or sensational life. 

SECTION SECOND. 

Good morning, friend, a merry Christmas to you. In 
saying this, it calls me back to the long and cherished 
associations of past earthly life, where the reunions of 
loved ones was a well-spring of joy never to be forgotten. 
Neither is it forgotten in our bright homes, where we 
assemble to relate our earthly experiences, and compare 
notes of incidents w T hich filled our earthly career. 

Life here is very similar to that of earth, and differs 
only as we comprehend it from our present standpoint. 
For instance, life is varied as on earth; also are the 
inhabitants in their traits of character, which are diffused in 
different ways to blend in harmony and not jar inharmon- 
iously from want of sympathy. Thus every sphere in 
heaven or earth has its variety and condition adapted to 
the wants of its inhabitants; each fundamental principle 
being of itself a sustaining power which must come from 
the outer to strengthen the inner soul. 

We must give you the leading steps to our loved abode; 
so that as you advance, you can comprehend what we wish 
to convey to yorrr mind, and also be enabled to impress 
upon you the true revelation of this God given home, and 
its true locality and adaption. Many have returned so 
elated with its glories, that they could not define to 
mortal understanding the true condition of this grand 
universe; but as this Temple is not made with hands, but 
wrought out of divine principles in all its wonderful and 
glorious unfoldment, so has it developed man in all his 
glorious conceptions and proportions to carry out the won- 
derful beatitude of his Divine Creator; and as all things 



9 

must be seen and known in the all-coming times, by every 
mortal whose perceptions lead him to the infinite, so, also, 
will he yet unvail the true secret of his origin and future. 
We, who are, as it were, dead to the world, are yet of the 
world a part, and shall ever hold the magnetic chord of 
earthly conditions. We cannot possibly break them; they 
may become finer, and the tissue may be lost to earthly 
gaze, yet we shall ever be connected, and shall be helpers 
in the great work of the world's reform; for it is our world, 
and as such, belongs to us. Though we may visit, inhabit, 
and admire other worlds, yet this world is our home. The 
earth is our mother, and we shall e^er bless her, for we 
cannot do otherwise. Our Father is the universe, and 
by him and through him, we are being educated and 
unfolded to learn the wonderful and glorious revealments 
he is making. 

In passing from earth, we are momentarily lost; but as 
we emerge from a chamber of forgetfulness, we gradually 
awaken to a glorious conciousness of beauty and light. 
Our weary eyes unclose as from slumber, and the lullaby 
songs of our early days come back to us full of love and 
sweetness, as when in our mother's arms, and an all refresh- 
ing and quieting influence pervades our being. We feel no 
desire to know our condition; we are merely passive to 
the glorious sights and sounds that float around us, while 
we perceive that we are gaining strength, and restoration 
is pervading our senses. 

This was my experience, and I find many who tell me 
the same; but many differ — some remain a great length of 
time in primitive darkness, and are brought out by the 
constant exertions of spirit friends, who try to relieve and 
awaken them to a knowledge of their change. Many are 
never entirely lost, and can hardly perceive the change of 
the chemical structure falling from their spirit body. 
These are so spiritually alive as not to be aware of the 
change, until some spirit friend, long gone, awaiting, 
reminds them of their passage to this glorious realm. 
They have changed their garments so easily while on the 
earth plane, that the spiritual body superseded the 
structure of physical life, donning the spiritual garment so 
gracefully as not to perceive it, until reminded by their 
spiritual friends, and the glorious surroundings. Thus it 
is, that the awakened ones of earth will ever be, by 
becoming spiritualized while in the form. But all cannot 
do this, as they are not chemically prepared by their 
anterior condition. They are too gross to enter into the 
spiritual atmosphere and become embalmed with its 
influence. It will take generations of physical life to 
permeate the whole earth with a spiritual condition. 



10 

Earth is yet in her primitive condition, and not yet 
spiritualized. She has her work to do, and must revolve 
many centuries before we can receive her to the spiritual 
sphere atmosphere. When that time does come, then will 
her inhabitants comprehend the true soul relation of 
mortals, as well as beings, who inhabit the spirit world. 

We have met here to-day, to bring our love, our 
sympathies and joys to the earnest and truthful investiga- 
tion of this heavenly subject. Yes, my beloved Wash- 
ington and mother are here to-day, showering blessings 
from their summer-land home; and to assist me in my 
description of its beauties and realities — for their surprise, 
like mine, was unbounded. In their love and assistance, 
I have been cradled, and by them guarded through all the 
scenes of my observation. 

I have visited many points of the first sphere from earth, 
and find a great similarity in all other things, as well as in 
the inhabitants. Nearly all are drawn here on first entering 
the spirit world as they are still charged with earth's 
magnetism, and of course, need the chemicals nearest earth 
to sustain them. Very soon many are drawn higher by 
becoming more spiritualized with heavenly aspiration, and 
must then be sustained by a natural attraction. Those 
who remain longer, are led to return to earth, where they 
control mortals to carry out their habits and tastes acquired 
in the earth life; for they are still governed by their sensual 
or physical condition, and it is only by degrees that they 
can be withdrawn from its material associations. 

When the spirits of the first sphere above the earth com- 
mence to learn that they have changed their garments, and 
become disembodied from the earthly habitation, it takes 
even then a long time to prepare them for the next sphere. 
Many spirits come to earth to be educated; and we hope 
the time is not far distant, when regular schools will be 
formed on earth to educate and release unfortunate spirits 
who have passed from earth in darkness. We most 
sincerely thank all mediums for the grand and noble work 
they are doing in this most glorious unfoidment of the 
greatest boon ever given — the knowledge of a home beyond 
this earth. Yes, a home, and what a glorious home; where 
all friends are gathered at a moment's warning, to give and 
receive each other's blessing and experience. 

Why friends of earth, you who are on this little ball, so 
limited by physical conditions and climatic changes — who, 
when separated, cannot meet only through dangers and 
privation, and at prolonged and stated times; think of 
your loved ones who may dwell in spheres far remote; 
who can, on a thought, instantly be present at your 



11 

bidding, and to yourself, the same power to pass to 
unlimited spheres, at wish. Oh, is it not beautiful, not 
only to know this, but also know that it is eternal — that 
your loved ones will ever be free; ever living to see and 
know, and enjoy this life, this great joy with you. When 
we see the mourners of earth following the remains of 
their loved ones to the tomb, so sadly, so silently, feeling 
that they have laid them forever out of sight, Oh, how I 
long to say to them, rejoice, for the birth of their glorified 
spirits which now stand beside you, and are trying to lift the 
vail from before your eyes, that you may see them in all their 
radiance and life — that it is you who need the sympathy 
and love, not they. They are freed from their network 
of earth-life texture, and are now clothed upon with 
garments whose silvery sheen is brighter than the stars 
set in the diadem of heaven. It is to teach mortals what 
the use of life should be — how to make it more useful and 
glorious here; and to do works for coming time, that we 
return to earth. The knowledge we impart will enhance 
the pleasures of this world, and add stars to the crown of 
the spirit life. 

SECTION THIRD. 

We will now speak of the second sphere, to which those 
have passed who have become conscious of the spiritual, and 
are quickening with a sensitive desire to comprehend the 
true relation of their spiritual surroundings. In this 
sphere, everything is similar to the first, save, of a more 
spiritual and refined nature. All things pertaining to life 
exists here, and are a necessity to the condition of the 
atmosphere, and life of spiritual man. It, like all spheres 
continues to throw off an aura, which goes to sustain 
the one above, which gradually doing away with the lower 
or animal creation, as a necessity, supplying the higher 
with a magnetic aura, which, passing through a process of 
refinement, sustains the spiritual life beyond, until the 
spirit has outgrown the necessity of nourishment of all 
animal life, and has become a perfect spiritual being, 
where it is supplied by quickening life, infilled with light 
reflected from the higher atmosphere of infinite worlds. 

You must know that there must be order in the great 
unf oldment of man, from his earthly condition to the higher 
life, in which abound all the material chemical produc- 
tions of earth, until we reach the fourth sphere. From 
there, you will perceive a change, which will again change 
the chemical, but not the being. 

Here a new light is given, a new voice which proclaims 
a new birth — a new spiritual birth — where all the dross 



12 

of material conditions is removed at the threshold, to 
again step forth to an unseen world, to be met by the 
glorified, who have borne the palm of the purified in 
spirit, and where the golden light of God's glory begins to 
illuminate the horizon. On being ushered to this sphere, 
the most wonderful and glorious effulgence of light breaks 
upon the new-born spirit, and reveals to them what the 
senses could never have conceived. Here you behold a 
host, who are gathered to chant forth angelic music. 
From this sphere you will commence your angelic ascen- 
sions to the fifth, sixth and seventh, until you reach the 
great ocean of eternal beauty, where sphere after sphere 
unfolds among the planetary nebula of the spiritual king- 
dom; where are concentrated hosts of glorious spirits at 
work, carrying out the fulfillment of life in every sphere 
and planet. In the third and fourth are the workers, who are 
chemically analyzing earths and other sphere atmosphere, 
and who are making rapid strides toward a grand discov- 
ery, soon to be made known upon your earth, as a new 
power, by, and through which we, as well as mortals, can 
comprehend each other, without the doubt and uncertainty 
that now exists, as to whether we are life, existence or 
phantom. 

Yes, also some new discoveries, regarding a new planet 
with a nebula, which will impart power to talk as clearly to 
your comprehension, as you do to each other upon earth 
to day. 

I will sometime take this medium up to my sphere,* that 
you may know from a heavenly sight, that that of which 
we write is real; that the communicating of the loved ones, 
that have preceeded me, are truthful portraitures of the 
heavenly home. The next time, I shall speak from my 
own observation. It has been reserved for me to define 
myself as I go along, so that every step may have a bear- 
ing one upon the other; not that we labor to rise step by 
step, but to comprehend the true causes that lead us on- 
ward, as in earth life. You, to-day, are solving a question 
by assistance from the realms above, and I, like you, have 
instructions from the philosophers and sages of the past, 
who have long been in advance, and who have been reading 
the book of life, eternal, to the children who come to be 
taught. 

SECTION FOURTH. 

In commencing a description of the third sphere next in 
the order of explanation, we find a wonderful likeness to 
some portions of earth, especially the tropics, with their 

* Each day after writing, the medium would seem carried to fairy realms, giving 
a description of what she saw. 



luxuriant shrubs and flowers, birds of beautiful plumage 
and melodious song. 

Amid these scenes we have lofty mountains, whose tops 
are crowned with verdure, while some have the beautiful 
snow, or, whose pure, white, feathery softness resembles 
the snow of earth, yet not the same in texture. Beautiful 
flowers, of pink and rosy hue, cover the surface, emitting 
a fragrance that fills the atmosphere with a living presence 
of their exhalations. Sections of this sphere are covered 
by towns and villages filled with earnest, working beings, 
who are carrying out their plans of life as upon earth, 
being satisfied to live and move within the limits of its 
conditions. Here are grand old plantations, with scenery 
and domestic life so real, so earnest, that we are tempted 
to mingle with them in their pursuits, for we feel that it 
is only a matter of condition which causes us to be happy 
and contented with associations that please us. 

Architecture is here primitive like the tropics — hence 
we find many who live in the open air under the arches of 
the lovliest trees of which the mind can conceive. 

This sphere has been assigned to the primitive or un- 
folded children of earth, where, according to their require- 
ments, they can be educated and prepared to pass to a 
higher sphere, when duties will be assigned according to 
their tastes and capacities, which sphere is an intellectual 
and mechanical one. In this they are prepared to enter 
the higher associations of life among the scientific and lit- 
erary. Each sphere is a school of preparation for the one 
still higher — purifying for the glory awaiting. Ofttimes 
many from the second, third and fourth spheres return to 
earth to gather knowledge or leave some dross or de- 
formity that must be removed before they can progress 
into the inner sanctuary of spiritual light and life. 

When once the true life is awakened within the spirit 
mind, they feel their condition, and need not to be told by 
another spirit. Mortal does not see his true condition be- 
cause of the physical covering; but a. spirit fully born sees 
the true soul, and its radiation, therefore differs from 
mortals in his views of what he terms right and good. 
Good is a term which has many meanings, and being an 
adjective, may be placed as good for nothing. Criminals 
are here classed according to deeds ; all are placed in 
rank, and the disease removed by education, for we hold 
that sin, as it is called, is a disease of the mind, either or- 
ganic or brought out by surrounding conditions. Some 
are made to heal the others, to restore what the other 
lacks, and thus equalize each other. You would be aston- 
ished to see sin-sick lives waiting the physician's change. 



14 

They are not cooped up in cells and chained, but are 
placed in the glorious scenery of free air, lovely woods 
and fields to inril them with a sense of their within loneli- 
ness and lack of worth. I may have wearied you but felt 
it necessary to say something regarding the unfortunate of 
earth, who are duly cared for in God's great world of re- 
form and universal rights to all. 

We now leave the third sphere to open a grand scene in 
the fourlh, where happy faces await the stranger who may 
come with the sign of admittance, or guides to usher them 
into the wondrous abode, where all scenes are adapted to 
the higher works of art, knowledge and scientific schools, 
which makes this one of the most interesting spheres for 
investigation. And oh! the immensity and variety of 
scenery, gorgeous homes, grand mansions, palaces, towers, 
minarets, temples, colleges and schools. The arts and 
sciences are here very much advanced, ready to be car- 
ried to other spheres. 

Here is Herschell with his telescope and observatory, 
Morse with his telegraphy, Fulton with his steam, Frank- 
lin with his lightening, Daguerre with his spiritual 
shadows producing the finite. Yes, you find them here, 
and like your grand centennial, a home of all earthly col- 
lections. Here you find them all classified and preserved. 
Here are your art galleries. Raphael and all the great 
artists of world's renown, are showing forth their handi- 
work. This is the laboratory and workshop as it were for 
all spheres. There is also much of the beautiful and 
grand of other spheres. The older artists and sages of 
earth's early history, have here left their handiwork before 
passing on to the higher and more glorious knowledge. 

All is bustle in this world of living, acting, animated in- 
telligence, giving forth new life, new thoughts to your 
world. I would not be understood that this is all the 
spheres of design and art. I mean that this is the true 
working sphere, where the inhabitants of many are drawn 
to investigate the true secret of material and spiritual 
essences. • 

The scenery of this sphere is of an Italian character of 
mountains and glorious sunsets. Its waters sparkle and 
ripple like life, emitting a transporting, revivifying influence 
to the atmosphere ; and all is life. 

There is a mountain here which towers far above the 
numerous ones surrounding. It is the mount of observa- 
tion. An observatory crowns its summit. As you as- 
cend the winding avenue you see the loveliest verdure dot- 
ted ever with flowers, trees, grottoes, fountains, cascades 
dancing down to the base, where are beautiful lawns with 



15 

many a gorgeous garden and home. Here you can rest in 
mauy a sylvan retreat and lovely home of grand and mag- 
nificent beauty which tower above the surrounding 
scenery. Oh ! it is grand I assure you. At first it re- 
minds one of the mountains of earth; so, that for a mo- 
ment, we feel like being back again, but the scenery 
so outrivals anything on the earth, that we again realize 
that we are truly in heaven. These retreats are those of 
the philosopher, the artist; in fact, all students of the 
grand, the glorious philosophy of life eternal. Also here 
strangers are brought by guides to behold the glorious 
scene. From this sphere was sent intelligent communi- 
cations, which after many attempts, at last caught the listen- 
ing ear of childhood.* As Jesus said, ' 'Suffer little children 
to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the 
kingdom of heaven. " 

SECTION FIFTH. 

In ascending the different spheres of our spirit life, we 
often become blended with the surrounding atmosphere, 
and interested in the many and varied scenes of each, ac- 
cording as it is in harmony with our spiritual condition. 

While passing through the spheres we are often re- 
minded of earth, and our earthly condition, so nearly re- 
sembling them are many scenes of spirit abode. 

I stated in my last, that the fourth sphere was the great 
laboratory of progressive life. 

Much that is useful has been, and will be brought to 
earth as fast as it can be given to intelligent minds adapted 
to its uses, from this sphere. 

We will now pass to the fifth, where a more scintillated 
and spiritual atmosphere is found, where the olden bards 
and sages of the past have made their homes, and where 
science has crowned with laurels, those who have nobly 
won, by their earnest and inspired works, peaceful homes 
of rest, amid the enchanting scenery of beatific life. 

In this sphere there are transparent waters whose surface 
glistens with sparkling light and supplying beauty; upon 
whose surface glide myriads of beings with all the light and 
grace of angelic beauty, in every conceivable form of con- 
veyance, many diving beneath its surface to catch the sun- 
light as it dawns upon and through the loveliest of flowers 
so beautifully blossoming in and upon its crystal beauty. 
Many are borne upon the surface like your lillies, and 
so beautifully arranged in architectural beauty, as to form 
a conveyance for spirits to float upon these perfumed, 
musical, miniature boats or gondolas — we call them our 

*3piritrappings, often called "Rochester knockings," were first heard atHydesville, 
N. Y., by children. 



16 

flower nests of the sea. On these we often float at will, as 
nothing will harm or mar the happiness of one who is 
welcomed here, for this is the harmonial sphere, where 
homes are prepared with elegance and taste, acquired by 
long spiritual unfoldment. Each has his attractive abode 
and associations that give sweet peace to the soul. A 
central pleasure ground is attached to certain localities, 
for amusement, where choristers make melodious music. 
Within this flower-perfumed abode, beautiful songsters 
warble their notes of praise and joy to relieve the weary 
and pleasure bound. Infantile spirit bands are also 
brought here to blend in this great familv circle of sphere- 
life. 

In this sphere you find the alabaster* and crystal homes 
which are substance ethereal to the touch of spirits who 
do not belong to this sphere, yet well defined to those who 
inhabit it. 

The architecture is far beyond that of mortal concep- 
tion. I find that many of these habitations have been 
seen by the clairvoyant eye, and spoken of in Bible times. 
It has been considered the heaven, but is only one local- 
ity, and only the fifth degree. Here come the mighty sages 
and prophets of ancient days, as well as the teachers of 
the present. It is the home of Washington, Paine, and 
all the honored of their age. These noble beings also 
have homes in the upper spheres. Advanced spirits 
have homes in all spheres wherever they can come in 
harmony, like different residences on earth, when adapted 
to their needs at certain times. Some have homes like 
the sunbeams, so bright and ethereal, where the zephyrs 
float perfumed, and charmed music from the upper spheres 
can reach them. Many times they converse with those of 
the higer life, and often are led to do their bidding. 

This sphere is universal ground to the inhabitants 
above, where all who wish, can mingle, and express any 
new thought or discovery — where a thorough feeling of 
interest is taken in the subject advanced. It is where 
facts are gathered and propounded — notes taken and 
kept for further reference until it is solved, and when ap- 
proved, is assigned its place and brought into use as far 
as can be made practicable. 

* Note. — Miss Jennie Leys, during a lecture in San Francisco, described 
Channing's lecture-room in the fifth sphere, to be a building of solid spirit ala- 
baster; the inner walls covered with a succession of wreaths around the entire 
immense room, carved in the solid alabaster. In each wreath a beautiful statue; 
also the entire furniture to be of the same material. At the time she clairvoyantly 
saw this building, Channing was addressing about five hundred young girls, beaxi- 
tifully dressed in a great variety of colors. 



17 

During these investigations, everything is conducted 
similar to earthly scientific investigations; all is minutely 
tested and reserved for use. 

Thus Franklin is still studying of electric power, and 
will soon give to the world a new feature of his discoveries. 
Also Morse, will produce sound, through different cur- 
rents, which will benefit the world in a new (telephone) 
degree. 

Daguerre is still reflecting — still changing atmospheric 
color, and will yet be able to produce a new field of dis- 
coveries, and said to me a year ago, that he would yet suc- 
ceed in photographing colors. 

Those who developed science while on earth, are still 
laboring for her benefit. Oftentimes this class of spirits 
are pushing on to new fields, exploring after the divine 
cause of all matter, and find much to expose of the fabu- 
lous tales of the past, and much that is retained — still 
analyzing, and removing the dross from the grand germ 
of truth. 

Every atom of life is full of history, as every particle of 
matter, whether spirit or soul has to pass into the upper 
spheres. So we ofttimes find earthly associations of our 
existence meeting us, and reminding of our nativity; no, 
we cannot escape the soul's eye, for it is ever upon us! 
Though no being meet us, we yet are known, for every 
particle of earth came from the spiritual world, atom by 
atom, which has changed with its spiritual essence, and is 
being changed in return. Each atom of existence is con- 
tinually throwing off an aura; we perceive it readily in 
the fragrance of flowers; the clairvoyant sees its material 
substance. 

So, friend, we are spirit while on earth and mortal when 
in heaven, only unfolding like a flower, to bloom in this 
paradise, until we are perfected, yielding our substance — 
then again change our garments, and go on to a higher and 
more glorious unfoldment, until all sublunary things will 
be past, when a spirit essence will pervade all our being, 
and we find ourselves fully clothed, prepared to stand 
upon the rock of eternal progression, visiting the glori- 
ous homes and planetary spheres, throughout the eternal 
ages. 

SECTION SIXTH. 

In entering the sixth sphere everything is beautiful, 
and all seems in perfect harmony. This is the home 
circle of the unfolded spirit. Earth's children here find 
their resting place before commencing the final chemical 



18 

change that is to be wrought out in the seventh ; preparing 
them for the full spiritual body. 

Here are playgrounds where the spirits bathe in an 
atmosphere of glorious light — where are ambrosial 
fountains, amid grassy lawns and heavenly flowers — sweet 
songsters adding their hymns of praise from the deep 
wooded forests, to join the bubbling streams that lave the 
grassy sides lined with flowers and perfumed mosses, 
where the wanderer can rest in sweet repose. On these 
waters are beautiful swans and birds of various hue, that 
floating, give a living picture of beauty. Here we find the 
homes of rest and repose for all who have come up through 
the different spheres, and now find the haven of rest from 
all care, prepared to be filled with inspiration for their 
higher calling. Do not think me egotistical if I tell you 
that here my beloved Washington, his mother and my 
children, unite to meet our loved ones, and many who are 
in sympathy with our investigations. 

You must know ere this that all cannot feel the same 
impulses or comprehend the same divine power, but only 
so much, as to them seems real, can they accept. Hence 
the need of separate homes. You must understand me to 
mean that all are not given the same capacity to com- 
prehend — hence there are different grades. To use a 
homely phrase: souls are like measures, some hold a 
pint, some a quart, some only a gill. Yet they are all full 
and can hold no more. So it is here — some see the grand, 
the ennobling power of a glorious universe, which seems to 
infill them with its grandeur, but others only see the material 
condition of everything which adapts itself to their wants. 
These last are merely vegetations in the land of souls. You 
cannot inspire such to anything higher than they can 
see, feel or touch — they only climb step by step in sphere 
life, as they did while on earth — ever holding fast to their 
condition of the last until fully certain that they are firmly 
established in the new, and then are only looking for self- 
preservation, never yielding or feeling willing to rest in 
the inspiration of a divine power We have many here 
who move so slowly, that it takes ages to realize that 
they are moving upward to a superior condition. For 
such, we have homes and teachers who kindly care for and 
encourage them. These homes are like asylums where 
they are nourisned and protected, with grounds attached 
where they are strengthened, thereby healed and made 
happy to go on in the great life truth of the spiritual 
world. 

The sixth sphere is where we change the garments 
material for those spiritual; and it would seem that we are 



19 

here so purely spiritualized, that no more change would be 
needed. Here it is that we receive visitors who can come 
in harmony from other realms to praise in sweet accord, 
and who often bring beautiful flowers and bright jewels 
from their homes.* Many visit us who are preparing to 
welcome us as we ascend to the realms of knowledge. 
Here are also colleges aud schools of art where we arrange 
all those grand and beautiful pictures and designs that 
have been given to be perfected in the fifth sphere. 

The time will come when earth treasures will be un- 
raveled to prove to the world, that there were inhabitants 
ages and ages before the Christian era, and prove to all 
that it is those people who are so advanced in the upper 
realms of God's eternal world. At present, it is only of 
the last few thousand years of which we write in the 
ascension through the different spheres. Every conceiv- 
able portion of life on the habitable globe is inherent in 
those different planes. They vary only in the refine- 
ments of matter of which the}' are composed, as they 
have risen, like ourselves, from earth's element, thus 
forming a link, binding ail spheres with a silken cord of 
magnetic and electric force, that holds all together until 
we reach the God or seventh sphere. 

You ma)- truly say that you continue to be Mr. Clarke 
or White, with a material nature, until you pass into 
the seventh heaven, when you are completely clothed 
with a spiritual body, yet retaining the true identity and 
capacity of recognition as an eternal principle of all life. 
Then the opening heavens will reveal the glories of what 
man cannot know, until he has a key to this superior 
heaven or unbounded ocean of spirit-life, where you seem 
launched upon an unfathomable universe of angelic beauty, 
which out-dazzles all former conceptions of the inhabitants 
of lower spheres. 

It is here that we find God or the Infinite, unfolding 
from this vast and glorious embodiment of all superior 
life. 

Here myriads of angelic hosts are floating in its glorious 
atmosphere of roseate life, "where the music of all things 
reverberate throughout the univerculum. Here there is 
meeting of souls who have been purified, and are ready to 
take the star of light as a beacon to guide those whose 
work is done, except the spontaneous life of some new light 
which shall burst into their souls in streams of musical 
rythm,- as light Upon light is sent to the spheres below. 

* Mary Washington gives an account of a visit from spirits from the planet Vesta, 
meeting in this sixth sphere. 



20 

So is the intelligence given like the rajs of sunlight to earth 
to warm, enliven and enkindle new aspirations to those 
who are seeking for new light and life. 

SECTION SEVENTH. 

Truly the ways of the infinite are worth finding out, and 
we begin to realize that in the process of time, all will be 
revealed to mortals or spiritual beings who once have worn 
the material garments. We have found the old saying 
" that God's laws are past finding out," is not a truth, and 
that it never was intended to bewilder man regarding his 
future, and destroy confidence in God's glorious love and 
kindness. The events which are being brought to light, 
will prove to earth's children their true design and origin, 
and that no scientist has a true solution, The time has 
not fully arrived to establish the true secret of life 
principle. In Darwin, we find many beautiful suggestive 
ideas, and from our friend Peebles, we will beg leave to 
differ in some points. But we are most happy to see the 
research into what has so long been withheld, regarding 
man's infinite and prenatal condition. To explain, we 
should be compelled to take you back of earthly condi- 
tions, where far more spiritual elements preceded earthly 
matter; when the essence of the elements blended in 
atmospheric conditions, which permeated the life or 
spiritual conceptions of man. As I am not now to enter 
.into an explanation of the life-essence of mortals, I will 
here state that all things pertaining to these spheres, which 
has been spoken of, has a relative connection with the 
beings of earth, and until you reach the seventh sphere, 
you are more or less under their influence. From the 
seventh, we become changed to a superior condition, and 
ho spirit, after this progression, can again enter earthly 
atmosphere. The sixth sphere is full of spiritual 
atmospheric vibrations, like seolian harps, which, like 
waves, swell the inspiration and vibrate the language of 
angels from the higher life, that are caught and retained 
as telegraphic dispatches to earth's people. Thus the 
angelic hosts are mingling their love and sympathy by 
the symphonies and vibrations of the air, in musical 
cadences. 

It is not possible for a spirit of angelic order from the 
higher spheres, to inhabit any sphere below the seventh, 
but sometimes they are permitted to visit so near earth as 
to impress through medimistic power, the desires and 
wishes of those in the higher realms, in the capacity of a 
Savior. Yes, each sphere has a Savior or leader to whom 
they direct their desires, and this choice is assisted by a 



21 

full harmonious choir of those interested in behalf of the 
welfare of all. I thought I was somewhat educated in the 
spiritual advancement of the sphere, but when I was 
ushered into the seventh, I was overpowered with emotions 
of joy. Oh, what joy — what peace pervaded my soul as 
I realized the true condition of that most wonderful land of 
spiritual glory. Beatific is not the word — glorified, 
heavenly, divine. As I wondered and marveled at the 
glorious scenes around me, and saw the angelic hosts that 
seemed floating in azure light and glory, I burst out in 
strains of unknown joy; for surely these were really beings, 
and not a fairy vision. Soon the misty veil was removed, 
and I saw my own loved ones who had passed on, and 
found that they, too, had been received here to be changed 
for a superior flight to realms beyond. Here your 
garments are adapted to the atmospheric condition which 
you have power to remove, w r hen you wish to descend to 
the spheres below. 

All material dross has been removed on entering this 
sphere, and the body rendered so pure and sensitive as to 
perceive the least innovation of this truly spiritual realm, 
that none but the purely angelic can remain. 

At certain portions of this sphere, a few visitors are 
permitted to enter, but are guarded by a spiritual band 
who act as guides to certain localities. But the inner 
circle is never approached. It is the fountain of life. Its 
essence pervades the universal atmosphere. Here is where 
the scientific — the true soul retires from its researches, to 
find rest and bathe in the charmed atmosphere of infinite 
life, embalming them with new strength, to continue their 
research through the planetary worlds, returning from 
time to time to transmit their investigations to the record- 
ers in the scientific spheres, thence to be brought to earth. 

Thus, my friend, we find all elements used, and nothing 
lost in the grand unfolding of the limitless worlds. As 
every planet has its spheres and spiritual inhabitants, they 
must have profound knowledge, which, from time to time, 
touches the lower planes of life, as a spark of light kindles 
and enlivens with its illuminating influence 

All worlds or planets are basking in atmospheric light. 
Beautiful drapery is woven around them like a mist of 
glory, enveloping in beauty and intelligence of the great 
power of eternal love. Oh! my dear friends of earth, how 
little do you comprehend this wonderful and glorious 
home. Mortals 1 know are surrounded by physical con- 
ditions, which must debar them from entering into this 
grand and sublime knowledge of God's eternal love; but all, 
in the eternity of years, will cast their outer garments, and 



22 

be brought into the universal circle of infinite wisdom 
and power of this soul-wrapt world. 

SECTION EIGHTH. 

Friends of earth-life, we come again to greet you with 
love and encouragement, to continue on the good work 
you have so earnestly begun. Yes, we who have given 
our experiences to the world, shall meet together at the 
close of this, and speak of what we know regarding these 
writings. We left you in the great ocean of universal 
life, whose fount is supplied from all sources of inspira- 
tional and natural emanations, which fill and revivify with 
their enlivening and God-given principles. 

Perhaps I have not given so good and touching account 
of the different spheres as my loved ones who preceded 
me, but as I felt that a rationale was needed, to bring your 
minds to associations which would connect this unfolding 
world to your conceptions, as mortals who had taken first 
degrees in material things, clothing them with ideas of 
beauty or usefulness, so must I clothe my description of 
the heavenly spheres as habitable conditions for the spirits 
of those who had resided upon earth ; for we teach and 
claim that innate life and aspirations follow the spirit 
through the different changes, and that many of their de- 
sires or aspirations are hightened by being brought into 
the harmonious relations of spiritual existence, and are 
therefore beautified and cultivated more perfectly, as they 
advance to the different spheres. We have passed to the 
seventh plane of spiritual existence, and yet find much to 
learn. Many are coming here as visitors, bat cannot re- 
main, as they are not fully embalmed with the light of 
knowledge sufficient to advance to realms beyond. In 
passing out of this atmosphere, we perceive a peculiar sen- 
sation, which produces drowsiness, and we seem to lose our- 
selves and float on an unbounded, infinite and unfathomable 
space ; where we are being carried, we have no knowl- 
edge, but are told by a peculiar sound which comes to us 
as a lullaby, to rest in peace, for the good angels who are 
near the great inner sphere of eternal life and beauty, are 
keeping and will care for us, until we are restored, and find 
ourselves within the domain of the great City of life, 
where the gates of jaspar open, and the angels welcome us 
to the temple of souls, where one eternal song of praise 
is going up from purified spirits. Yes, friend we have 
such a home in the final purification, where all know and 
understand each other — where joy unspeakable and full of 
glory is realized by all. Here labor ceases. This is a 
borne for universal rest and enjoyment, without care, 



23 

where a free, fall, unbounded love awakens all to its 
glorious realities. Here all can bathe in the true enjoy- 
ment of their souls ; where each is attracted to their 
spiritual enjoyment; where variety and harmony is a per- 
petual feast, each one filling their spheres of action, vary- 
ing in plans of enjoyment, according to their aspirations, 
yet all in perfect harmony, like the flowers of the field 
blending their beautiful hues. 

This sphere has been but seldom spoken of, for it is the 
central sun of souls far remote from the ascending spheres 
where souls prepared aie taken to this city of jasper, and 
pearls radiant with settings of diamonds, and all manner 
of precious stones. This is the great city seen by the 
prophets of old, and spoken of as the New Jerusalem. To 
them it was but a momentary vision which they could not 
clearly define as to location. Here is where the heavenly 
music is symphonised in one joyful harmonious strain. 
This is where all the inhabitants of different planets come, 
after their sojourn through spheres of each planetary bplt 
— the univercuium or sun centre of all unfolded spirits 
who have become perfected, and the rising star of recog- 
nition placed upon their foreheads — who, at intervals are 
permitted to visit others to observe their conditions; also, 
to assist in preparing them for this vast and eternal home, 
far remote from all other planetary worlds: this being the 
highest and holiest, where all refined particles from other 
spheres have been drawn, making this the crystal or 
purified sphere of the infinite mind. Here are the 
spiritualized palaces, and gorgeous minarets — where 
vespers are chanted by the sylvan glades whose musical 
and language flowers bloom, sending out a perfume not to 
be comprehended by mortals. 

My dear earth-friend : I have taken this medium beyond 
the known spheres belonging to this earth, and through 
vast space beyond any planet yet seen by mortal eye. Yet 
to a home that is eternal, a planet whose eternal beauty 
cannot be conceived, and which language fails to portray; 
but it is there, and God, the universal Father, but not 
embodied, save through the souls of the purified who 
centralize the highest and purest of all created power. 
Here the Infinite mind is centralized, and from this 
centre radiates all intelligence to other planets or worlds; 
where guides are ever controlling and blending the forces 
of truth and knowledge, and spreading it through the 
different planets. When we think of what the world calls 
death, we feel at once thrilled with a desire to awaken 
them to their true condition; and to arouse them to a true 
knowledge of their glorious future. I find that by the 



24 

assistance of my loved Washington and mother, who have 
been my guides to this soul realm of angelic beauty, 
that I have brought this medium in harmony with its 
sublime grandeur, by whom I can give realities of the 
same world once given in visions to those who inspiredly 
wrote so beautifully, and who are now inhabitants of this 
soul realm of eternal life. They were the worshipers of 
the true God as a universal Father, and being honest and 
pure in their thoughts, this vision was given them of 
heaven, as they called it, where everything sparkled in 
beauty with its golden light, radiating with life from God 
or infinite power which permeates the whole. This soul- 
realm is out of the magnetic circle of all planets revolving 
in an atmosphere which fills and surrounds it. It is also 
sustained by the magnetic and electric belts of all planets as 
they throw off their refined aura. While spirits are pass- 
ing from planets to this soul realm, they are sustained by 
currents of magnetic life like a gulf stream flowing direct 
to this central realm of eternal life. Once within this 
current, the spirit is carried so softly, and lulled by sweet 
strains of music taking away all anxiety regarding the 
strangeness and distance from other climes. Attendants 
are also sent to guide the spirit until finally brought to the 
holiest of holies, where dazzling beauty and grandeur starts 
the soul with awe and wonder at the enchanted scenery, 
and you feel like prostrating in adoration before the 
shining angels of perfected life, who invite you to rest amid 
the anthems and love of angelic beings, who love and 
care for you so tenderly. And here I will rest. 



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